When we first launched the EExtraordinary 10-Second Hero Contest in conjunction with Microsoft this past summer, I didn’t know what to expect. What can people do in just 10 seconds to impact others?  As I previously described, I was moved by the astonishing stories from people around the world making an impact every day in such a short amount of time. From Steve Mazur (US), founder of The Lisa Altobelli Foundation, the one and only cancer specific transportation provider in New York City, to Claudia Flores (Argentina) who takes 10 seconds to bundle a baby with a new blanket- each story was unique and inspirational.

In the end, we learned about the powerful impact of a smile. Our grand prize winner, Carlos Arturo Vargas Ayala, works at Operacion Sonrisa Colombia (Operation Smile), a non-profit organization dedicated to surgically repairing malformations of children born with cleft palates in Colombia. After each operation, it takes less than 10 seconds for Carlos to see the smile on the children and their families’ faces- a simple yet impactful gesture for everyone involved.

Lenovo was thrilled to be able to award $50,000 to this wonderful organization.  At the check signing ceremony, I had a chance to speak with Carlos to ask him about his work with the organization:

How did you get involved with Operacion Sonrisa?

“I was fortunate to learn about Operation Smile, an organization based in Norfolk Virginia, dedicated to addressing the pathology of cleft lip and cleft palate in low-income children. After visiting the organization, I knew we had to bring it to Colombia. We started by developing international conferences where foreign doctors would come to operate on children for an entire week. Since then, Operacion Sonrisa works with Colombian doctors who travel on weekends to various parts of the country to perform surgery.”

How do you feel about the support from the public?

"We are thrilled and grateful that our cause of bringing smiles back to thousands of Colombian children generated so much enthusiasm in the people who voted and allowed us to win the contest. The entire Operacion Sonrisa family (employees, volunteers, patients and their families) are filled with great joy.”

What will the grand prize money be used for?

“About 100 children suffering from cleft lip and pathology of cleft palate will now have the opportunity to get surgery because of this donation. They will be able to benefit from this life changing surgery and in just 10 seconds, you can see their first smile and the positive impact of this contribution. ”

What does this organization mean to you?

“I love my time with Operacion Sonrisa Colombia- this organization is my family. The best way I can describe the experience is to say this- if reincarnation exists, I truly hope that I am given another opportunity to be part of Operacion Sonrisa.”